We've tried to publicize legitimate Haiti relief efforts whenever possible, and many months after the earthquake disaster occurred, the nation needs your continued support more than ever. A project called HaitiSOFTHOUSE uses good design as a source of aid.
Led by a distinguished team of architects, engineers, and designers, SOFTHOUSE creates durable modular housing units that can be erected quickly and configured in different ways for varying purposes. The design of an individual cell has many impressive features, such as tropical weather resistance, ventilation, and the ability to be easily combined to form larger spaces. A steel frame anchors each unit and can withstand the worst weather scenarios.
A prototype community is being built this month in a town called Jacmel. Once the discovery process is complete, the focus of the project will shift toward helping disaster-stricken places fabricate these reliable shelters using local labor and materials.
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If only Haiti had vegetation like that...
The concept looks like a modernist dream that doesn't seem to take into account the reality in Haiti.
This is a really interesting project. I met the architect recently and was very impressed. This type of structure could be applicable to so many situations, imagine post-hurricane, tsunami, earthquake devestation and being able to have sturdy yet easily constructued shelter. because right now, people have nothing but sheets or plastic on sticks. And it's been months. If you have any interest in post-disaster response this is worth looking at. Thanks for featuring this project!
Haiti DOES have vegetation like that! Don't believe everything you read and hear on the news! Jacmel is a paradise people wouldn't even dream exists in Haiti, even now!!!
"A steel frame anchors each unit and can withstand the worst weather scenarios."
A hurricane? I ask this because Haiti is right in the middle of a common path for hurricanes to take from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico.
Great idea, practical, easy to install. Let's hope it will bring some relief. It certainly looks much better than tents.
Will you update us once the test run is over?
My fam is from Jacmel and Yes it does look like that in the undeveloped areas. The developed areas look like NO after Katrina.
@asinner - i think this project definitely takes into account the reality in Haiti. Most people that we encountered on our trip there in February were living under sheets or tarps connected to sticks. The lucky ones had tents or rubble to sleep on so they weren't in the mud or standing water.
I think the idea is wonderful - here's hoping they can get enough funding to spread it to more cities.
having born and raised in a Caribbean country I can personally attest to the dangers building a home with a coconut tree close by. Hurricanes are what Americans call "rainy season" so having those mudular homes of "durable" material is simply fantasy. Sorry but nah, they wouldn't survive Kentucky why would they survive countries that experience hurricanes and earthquakes.
Hmm... as someone who works in development/relief I want to believe that this will work and be functional. They say that they have consulted with The Rural Haiti Project (which works with local communities to make their voices heard).. but to what extent? I just hope that these plans are approved of by the community & have been created with lots, and lots of community input. You don't want to pour money into a project that no one will be happy with.
All that being said, this is TRANSITIONAL housing until real houses are built.. and the process of rebuilding will be a long one!
The last paragraph on their website sounds promising and like they've done their homework! I would love to hear how the prototype project turns out and the feedback that they receive from communities.
My uncle is a nurse and quit his job in the US to work in Haiti after the earthquake. Please take a look at his blog--he's setting up clinics and training Haitian medical professionals. http://ramoolive.blogspot.com/